On average, beginner gliders have a cruising speed of 18-25 MPH. Skilled pilots can achieve much greater speeds by incorporating speed-bar systems, flying a smaller-sized glider, flying an advanced glider with Reflex Technology, or flying with the wind. In general, if you want to fly fast, buy an airplane! If you are looking for a low-and-slow way to explore the world from above, you’ve come to the right place! Keep in mind that there is a fine line between performance and safety. Gliders which are smaller, faster, or utilize more advanced flying configurations (like speed-bars) can often have less passive safety features than standard gliders. Always check with your Certified Flight Instructor prior to purchasing a new glider to MAKE SURE it coincides with your level of skill.